Essential Secrets 17: Set Yourself Up Well

28 January 2017

Essential Secrets

Compliments of performance coach/bassist David Motto

Secret 17:Set Yourself Up Well

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A Little Comfort Goes a Long Way

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To learn bass as efficiently as possible, having the best physical setup is crucial. You
need the right setup for your bass—which a guitar repair person can do for you—and, more
importantly, you should focus on how you position your instrument when you play.

Proper positioning is crucial to your success. You need to feel comfortable and have
access to the entire fingerboard. Your fingers must be able to play their assigned frets
whether you’re playing a four-string, five-string, or six-string bass. You should be able to
slide your left hand up and down the neck easily without running into your torso. Your right
hand needs to have comfortable access to every string whether you’re playing finger-style,
slapping, or using a pick.

Most bassists need to do some experimenting to get the proper position. Change the
length of your guitar strap. Try playing with the neck parallel to the floor as well as with the
headstock raised up. You’ll find the perfect angle for your bass after you try several
positions. And, all of these maneuvers will change if you’re sitting instead of standing when
you play.

You’re searching for a position that lets you use your anatomy most efficiently. The
bend in your elbows should feel comfortable, and you shouldn’t have to hyper-extend your
left wrist to reach any notes. You want to keep your spine relatively straight, and your back
should feel relaxed. Make sure you’re not raising your shoulders. (If you play with your
shoulders raised, you’ll literally get a pain in the neck.) All tension should be eliminated
from your playing.

Every time you pick up your bass, quickly make sure you’re positioned correctly before
you start playing. With the proper positioning you’ll feel better, have more strength and
stamina, and learn more quickly and efficiently.